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AEG (UK) Limited v Logic Resource Limited: CA 20 Oct 1995

The question of the reasonableness of a clause must be assessed having regard to the relevant clause viewed as a whole: it is not right to take any particular part of the clause in isolation, although it must also be viewed against a breach of contract which is the subject matter of the case before … Continue reading AEG (UK) Limited v Logic Resource Limited: CA 20 Oct 1995

Brigden v American Express Bank Ltd: 2000

A clause providing that the employer could dismiss an employee in the first two years of employment without implementing the disciplinary procedure was not void under the 1977 Act. Section 3 extended to contracts of employment and although the meaning was ‘artificial’, an employee dealt ‘as a consumer’ with his employer. However the claim failed … Continue reading Brigden v American Express Bank Ltd: 2000

Office of Fair Trading v Foxtons Ltd: ChD 17 Jul 2008

Complaint was made that the Foxtons standard terms of acting in residential lettings were unfair. Foxtons objected to the jurisdiction of the Claimant to intervene. Held: On a challenge to an individual contract, the court would be able to see the term in the particular context and be better able to see its fairness or … Continue reading Office of Fair Trading v Foxtons Ltd: ChD 17 Jul 2008

Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2008

The appellant had contracted to provide office accomodation to the defendant. The air conditioning did not work and there were other defects. The appellant now challenged a finding of liability and that its contract terms which were said to totally exclude liability were unfair under the 1977 Act. Held: The appeal succeeded. Alternative remedies would … Continue reading Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2008

Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: ComC 4 May 2007

Claim for unpaid fees for the use of serviced office accommodation and a very large counter-claim for mis-representation and breach of contract over allegedly defective air conditioning. Citations: [2007] EWHC 938 (Comm), [2007] 2 All ER (Comm) 766 Links: Bailii Statutes: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Ruxley Electronics … Continue reading Regus (UK) Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd: ComC 4 May 2007

Spreadex Ltd v Cochrane: ComC 18 May 2012

The spread betting bookmaker claimed summary judgment in respect of a consumer, Mr Cochrane, who had made certain initial personal trades with significant profitability. In his absence, without his knowledge and authorisation, his account was tinkered with by a child who, by playing on the computer, effected through it a number of ‘trades’ which caused … Continue reading Spreadex Ltd v Cochrane: ComC 18 May 2012

Transco Plc v O’Brien: CA 7 Mar 2002

The company appealed against a finding that they were in breach of their contract of employment in not including the claimant in those considered for an enhanced redundancy package. Held: The appeal failed. Tribunals should be cautious before appearing to extend the terms of the implied duty of trust and confidence between employer and employee.Pill … Continue reading Transco Plc v O’Brien: CA 7 Mar 2002

Foodco UK Llp (T/A Muffin Break) and Others v Henry Boot Developments Ltd: ChD 3 Mar 2010

The claimants had been persuaded to take up leases on a service area constructed by the defendants. They said that the publicity materials had wildly exaggerated the actual number of visitors, and sought damages for fraudulent misrepresentation. Held: The claim in fraudulent misrepresentation failed. Lewison J discussed why the entire agreement clause satisfied the test … Continue reading Foodco UK Llp (T/A Muffin Break) and Others v Henry Boot Developments Ltd: ChD 3 Mar 2010

Foster v Bon Groundwork Ltd: EAT 17 Mar 2011

EAT PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Striking-out/dismissal In April 2009, the Claimant, who was then 77 years of age, was employed by the Respondent, when he was laid off without pay. While still being employed by the Respondent he submitted an ET1 alleging he had been laid off. By a judgment of Employment Judge Salter (‘the … Continue reading Foster v Bon Groundwork Ltd: EAT 17 Mar 2011

Springwell Navigation Corporation v JP Morgan Chase Bank and Others: CA 1 Nov 2010

The court was asked as to whether representations has been made. Held: Aikens LJ referred to a provision stating ‘no representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made . . in or in relation to such documents or information’, and to dicta of Christopher Clarke J in Raffeissen said: ‘I would therefore … Continue reading Springwell Navigation Corporation v JP Morgan Chase Bank and Others: CA 1 Nov 2010

Raiffeisen Zentralbank Osterreich Ag v The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc: ComC 11 Jun 2010

The court was asked whether certain provisions fell within section 3 of the Misrepresentation Act. Held: Christopher Clarke J referred to dicta of Gloster J and said: ‘In Springwell Gloster J took the view that terms which simply defined the basis upon which the parties were transacting business did not fall within section 2 of … Continue reading Raiffeisen Zentralbank Osterreich Ag v The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc: ComC 11 Jun 2010

Overy v Paypal (Europe) Ltd: QBD 2 Mar 2012

The claimant had sought to conduct a competition to sell his house, the entry fees being collected by the defendant internet payment services provider. The defendant terminated the service to him, and he complained that that caused him substantial damages, and that the terms were unfair. Held: ‘Mr Overy is not entitled to the protection … Continue reading Overy v Paypal (Europe) Ltd: QBD 2 Mar 2012

Morin v Bonhams and Brooks Ltd and Another: ComC 18 Mar 2003

Claim for rescission of contract for purchase of Ferrari car at auction after discovery of alteration to odometer.Jonathan Hirst QC said (after discussing the Christie’s case): ‘Plainly this authority provides substantial ammunition for BandB Monaco to contend that they owed no duty of care to [the claimant] but, if English law applied, I would hold … Continue reading Morin v Bonhams and Brooks Ltd and Another: ComC 18 Mar 2003

Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd: Comc 17 Jul 2008

Trident entered into Aircraft Operating Lease Agreements in identical terms with First Flight in respect of two ATP model aircraft. The leases represented the culmination of negotiations between a representative of the manufacturer, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Limited (‘BAE’), and representatives of First Flight and were signed by a representative of BAE on behalf of … Continue reading Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd: Comc 17 Jul 2008

JP Morgan Chase Bank and others v Springwell Navigation Corporation: Comc 27 May 2008

The company alleged negligence by its financial advisers. Held: Gloster J said that the absence of a written advisory agreement is a strong pointer against the existence of a free-standing duty of care to give investment advice. Gloster J said: ‘terms which simply define the basis upon which services will be rendered and confirm the … Continue reading JP Morgan Chase Bank and others v Springwell Navigation Corporation: Comc 27 May 2008

Balmoral Group Ltd v Borealis [UK] Ltd and others: ComC 25 Jul 2006

The claimants manufactured and sold storage tanks. They sought substantial damages after chemical materials purchased from the defendants to help bond the tanks failed. Judges: Christopher Clarke J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1900 (Comm), [2006] 2 CLC 220, [2006] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 629 Links: Bailii Statutes: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, Sale of Goods Act 1979 … Continue reading Balmoral Group Ltd v Borealis [UK] Ltd and others: ComC 25 Jul 2006

Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd v Messer UK Ltd: ChD 2002

Britvic purchased bulk CO2 for the carbonation of various soft and alcoholic drinks from a supplier. The CO2 was manufactured by others. As a result of a breakdown of the manufacturing process, the CO2 contained a concentration of benzene which, although benzene is carcinogenic, was so small that it represented no risk to health. The … Continue reading Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd v Messer UK Ltd: ChD 2002

Amiri Flight Authority v BAE Systems Plc: CA 17 Oct 2003

The appellant had contracted to purchase maintenance from the defendant of aircraft it had also purchased from them. They sought damages for negligence, saying the defendants had failed to prevent a known risk of corrosion. The defendants argued that its contract excluded liability, and under the Act, that clause was not subjected to a test … Continue reading Amiri Flight Authority v BAE Systems Plc: CA 17 Oct 2003

Davis Turner and Co Ltd v Granville Oil and Chemicals Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2003

The time bar provision, now found in cl. 28(B) of BIFA, satisfied the requirements of reasonableness under UCTA. Judges: Lord Justice Potter Lord Justice Tuckey Mr Justice Hart Citations: [2003] EWCA Civ 570, [2003] 1All ER (Comm) 819, [2003] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 356 Links: Bailii Statutes: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Davis Turner and Co Ltd v Granville Oil and Chemicals Ltd: CA 15 Apr 2003

Reda, Abdul-Jalil v Flag Limited: PC 11 Jul 2002

PC (Bermuda) The courts should be reluctant to accept a fetter on the employer’s right to dismiss on notice where there is an express term in the contract empowering the employer to do so. Lord Millet considered the contention that the employer was duty bound to preserve the relationship of trust and confidence: ‘which ought … Continue reading Reda, Abdul-Jalil v Flag Limited: PC 11 Jul 2002

Overseas Medical Supplies Limited v Orient Transport Services Limited: CA 20 May 1999

The appellant challenged a finding that it was responsible for the loss of medical equipment being transported from Tehran to the UK, and of failing to insure it as required, the contractual term exempting it from responsibility being an unreasonable one under the Act, since the obligations imposed on the respectve parties were imbalanced. Held: … Continue reading Overseas Medical Supplies Limited v Orient Transport Services Limited: CA 20 May 1999

Stent Foundations Ltd v M J Gleeson Group Plc: TCC 9 Aug 2000

The defendant company sought to rely upon an exemption clause. Held: Applying standard rules for contract interpretation, the exemption clause was to be construed against the one proposing it. At best the clause was ambiguous, and the defendants claim for exemption failed. The clause did not satisfy the first two tests set down in the … Continue reading Stent Foundations Ltd v M J Gleeson Group Plc: TCC 9 Aug 2000

Watford Electronics Ltd v Sanderson CFL Ltd: CA 23 Feb 2001

The plaintiff had contracted to purchase software from the respondent. The system failed to perform, and the defendant sought to rely upon its exclusion and limitation of liability clauses. Held: It is for the party claiming that a contract term satisfies the requirement of reasonableness to show that it does. To decide whether term was … Continue reading Watford Electronics Ltd v Sanderson CFL Ltd: CA 23 Feb 2001

Coleman v S and W Baldwin: 1977

Whether unilateral changes to an employment contract amounted to a constructive dismissal. Citations: [1977] IRLR 342 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – McBride v Scottish Police Authority (Scotland) SC 15-Jun-2016 The court was asked whether the employment tribunal had been correct, after finding that the appellant had been unfairly dismissed, to order her … Continue reading Coleman v S and W Baldwin: 1977

Ahmad v Inner London Education Authority: CA 1977

The appellant said that his human rights were infringed when, as a moslem, he was refsued time off from his work as a primary school teacher to attend prayers at the mosque on Fridays. He had subsequentlly been re-instated part-time, but complained that this affected his pension rights. Held: Lord Denning MR said that whilst … Continue reading Ahmad v Inner London Education Authority: CA 1977

Cremdean Properties Ltd v Nash: CA 1977

The defendant had relied on a non-reliance clause in the special conditions of a tender: ‘Messrs. Lalonde Bros and Parham for themselves, for the vendors or landlord whose agents they are give notice that (a) These particulars are prepared for the convenience of an intending purchaser or tenant and although they are believed to be … Continue reading Cremdean Properties Ltd v Nash: CA 1977

Feetum v Levy: CA 2006

Jonathan Parker LJ discussed the granting of declarations: ‘things have indeed moved on since the Meadows case was decided; and the courts should not nowadays apply such a restrictive meaning to the passage in Lord Diplock’s speech in Gouriet’s case’. Judges: Jonathan Parker LJ Citations: [2006] Ch 585 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – … Continue reading Feetum v Levy: CA 2006

Stewart Gill Ltd v Horatio Myer and Co Ltd: CA 1992

The ‘guidelines’ in Schedule 2 are usually regarded as of general application to the question of reasonableness under the 1977 Act. The effect of s13 which deals with exemption clauses, is to apply s3 inter alia to ‘no set off’ clauses. The reasonableness requirement must be satisfied in relation to the clause as a whole … Continue reading Stewart Gill Ltd v Horatio Myer and Co Ltd: CA 1992

Littlewoods Organisations Ltd v Harris: CA 1977

When construing restrictive covenants in an employment contract, the court should construe the contract in the light of the object and intent of the contract as a whole. It may be read down and need not be read literally. Lord Denning said that it is just because there may be serious difficulties in identifying precisely … Continue reading Littlewoods Organisations Ltd v Harris: CA 1977

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission: HL 15 Dec 2005

The claimant appealed after her claim for sex discrimination had failed. She had been dismissed from her position an associate minister of the church. The court had found that it had no jurisdiction, saying that her appointment was not an employment. However the jurisdiction in sex discrimination cases was wider, extending to those who ‘contract … Continue reading Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission: HL 15 Dec 2005

Goodlife Foods Ltd v Hall Fire Protection Ltd: CA 18 Jun 2018

The court considered an exclusion clause in the standard terms of a specialist fire suppression contractor. The issues are whether the clause was incorporated into the contract between the parties and, if so, whether the clause was reasonable within the meaning of the 1977 Act. Citations: [2018] EWCA Civ 1371 Links: Bailii Statutes: Unfair Contract … Continue reading Goodlife Foods Ltd v Hall Fire Protection Ltd: CA 18 Jun 2018

Nelson v British Broadcasting Corporation (No 2 ): CA 1980

Mr Nelson was employed as a producer but had in fact been engaged in the Caribbean Service of the BBC in terms of the work which he had actually been doing. The contract of employment expressly provided that he should serve wherever and however he might be required. Held: For a tribunal to find itself … Continue reading Nelson v British Broadcasting Corporation (No 2 ): CA 1980

Anglo Leasing Plc v Michael K Pascoe and Michael a P Harris (Formerly Trading As Harris Pascoe): CA 25 Sep 1997

The defendant sought leave to appeal against an order for payment of sums due under a leasing agreement. He said that the contract was governed by the 1974 and 1977 Acts. Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 2366 Statutes: Consumer Credit Act 1974 61 62 63, Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Consumer Updated: … Continue reading Anglo Leasing Plc v Michael K Pascoe and Michael a P Harris (Formerly Trading As Harris Pascoe): CA 25 Sep 1997

McNicholas Plc v AEI Cables Limited: TCC 25 May 1999

The claimant had subcontracted to supply cabling on the defendant’s project. The contract provided both for the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts but also for arbitration. The defendant applied for the action to be stayed and referred to arbitration. The claimant said the clause was ineffective being uncertain within s9 of the 1996 Act, … Continue reading McNicholas Plc v AEI Cables Limited: TCC 25 May 1999

Schenkers Limited v Overland Shoes Limited and Schenkers International Deutschland Gmbh v Overland Shoes Limited: CA 12 Feb 1998

A clause in a shipping freight contract using the standard British International Freight Association terms disallowing a set-off was not unreasonable. The clause read ‘The customer shall pay to the company in cash or as otherwise agreed all sums immediately when due, without reduction or deferment on account of any claim, counterclaim or set off’. … Continue reading Schenkers Limited v Overland Shoes Limited and Schenkers International Deutschland Gmbh v Overland Shoes Limited: CA 12 Feb 1998

George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: CA 29 Sep 1982

The buyer bought 30lbs of cabbage seed, but the seed was not correct, and the crop was worthless. The seed cost pounds 192, but the farmer lost pounds 61,000. The seed supplier appealed the award of the larger amount and interest, saying that their contract limited their liability to the cost of the seed. Held: … Continue reading George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: CA 29 Sep 1982

HIH Casualty and General Insurance Limited and others v Chase Manhattan Bank and others: HL 20 Feb 2003

The insurance company had paid claims on policies used to underwrite the production of TV films. The re-insurers resisted the claims against them by the insurers on the grounds of non-disclosure by the insured, or in the alternative damages for misrepresentation. The policies were novel and sophisticated contracts and included clauses modifying the duties of … Continue reading HIH Casualty and General Insurance Limited and others v Chase Manhattan Bank and others: HL 20 Feb 2003

Cavendish Square Holding Bv v Talal El Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis: SC 4 Nov 2015

The court reconsidered the law relating to penalty clauses in contracts. The first appeal, Cavendish Square Holding BV v Talal El Makdessi, raised the issue in relation to two clauses in a substantial commercial contract. The second appeal, ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis, raised the issue at a consumer level, with a separate issue under the … Continue reading Cavendish Square Holding Bv v Talal El Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis: SC 4 Nov 2015

African Export-Import Bank and Others v Shebah Exploration and Production Company Ltd and Others: CA 28 Jun 2017

The court was asked as to the interpretation of the phrase ‘deals . . On the other’s written standard terms of business’. Judges: Longmore, Henderson LJJ Citations: [2017] EWCA Civ 845 Links: Bailii Statutes: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Contract, Consumer Updated: 27 March 2022; Ref: scu.588315

Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989

In Smith, the lender instructed a valuer who knew that the buyer and mortgagee were likely to rely on his valuation alone. The valuer said his terms excluded responsibility. The mortgagor had paid an inspection fee to the building society and received a copy of the report, and relying on it, had bought the house. … Continue reading Smith v Eric S Bush, a firm etc: HL 20 Apr 1989

Assicurazioni Generali Spa v Arab Insurance Group (BSC): CA 13 Nov 2002

Rehearing/Review – Little Difference on Appeal The appellant asked the Court to reverse a decision on the facts reached in the lower court. Held: The appeal failed (Majority decision). The court’s approach should be the same whether the case was dealt with as a rehearing or as a review. Tanfern was limited to appeals from … Continue reading Assicurazioni Generali Spa v Arab Insurance Group (BSC): CA 13 Nov 2002

National Westminster Bank v Utrecht-America Finance Company: CA 10 May 2001

An agreement between the parties for assignment or novation of a credit agreement, contained a ‘take out’ agreement (‘TOA’). The defendant began proceedings in California to rescind the agreement, and the claimants obtained summary judgement under the TOA and an injunction to prevent the defendants proceeding in California. The defendants appealed. There were allegations of … Continue reading National Westminster Bank v Utrecht-America Finance Company: CA 10 May 2001

Nelson v British Broadcasting Corporation: CA 1977

Mr Nelson was employed as a producer but had in fact been engaged in the Caribbean Service of the BBC in terms of the work which he had actually been doing. The contract of employment expressly provided that he should serve wherever and however he might be required. Held: The closure of the BBC service … Continue reading Nelson v British Broadcasting Corporation: CA 1977

Johnson v Gore Wood and Co: HL 14 Dec 2000

Shareholder May Sue for Additional Personal Losses A company brought a claim of negligence against its solicitors, and, after that claim was settled, the company’s owner brought a separate claim in respect of the same subject-matter. Held: It need not be an abuse of the court for a shareholder to seek damages against advisers to … Continue reading Johnson v Gore Wood and Co: HL 14 Dec 2000

McBride v Scottish Police Authority (Scotland): SC 15 Jun 2016

The court was asked whether the employment tribunal had been correct, after finding that the appellant had been unfairly dismissed, to order her reinstatement. She had worked as a fingerprint officer, but her reinstatement was to be on terms that she should not attend court in her role. The court was now asked whether an … Continue reading McBride v Scottish Police Authority (Scotland): SC 15 Jun 2016

Barnes and Another v Black Horse Ltd: QBD 31 May 2011

The claimants sought repayment by the bank of sums paid to them for Payment Protection Insurance policies sold to them in connection with loans made by the bank. The Bank now resisted an application for leave to amend the particulars of the counterclaim to allege that the taking out of the insurance had been made … Continue reading Barnes and Another v Black Horse Ltd: QBD 31 May 2011

Messer UK Ltd and Another v Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd and others: CA 30 Apr 2002

The parties contracted for the supply of material to be used in the manufacture of drinks. The material was to be supplied according to a recognised British Standard. Held: The use of the British Standard of itself was not sufficient to imply any warranty of satisfactory quality or fitness for purpose upon which a purchaser … Continue reading Messer UK Ltd and Another v Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd and others: CA 30 Apr 2002

Hodges v Aegis Defence Services (BVI) Ltd: CA 12 Nov 2014

Appeal against dismissal of claim with costs. The claimant was personal representative of her husband’s estate. He had been employed by the defendants to provide support and security escort to US personnel based in Iraq under a contract for services. He had died carrying out those services. The court was asked to construe the defendant’s … Continue reading Hodges v Aegis Defence Services (BVI) Ltd: CA 12 Nov 2014

Scheps v Fine Art Logistic Ltd: QBD 16 Mar 2007

The claimant bought fine art sculptures by Anish Kapoor at auction. They were stored by the defendant who when called upon to deliver them, said they had possibly been thrown away as rubbish. The defendant sought to limit its liability to the sum set by its contract. The defendant said that the claimant had been … Continue reading Scheps v Fine Art Logistic Ltd: QBD 16 Mar 2007

Kingsway Hall Hotel Ltd v Red Sky IT (Hounslow) Ltd: TCC 6 May 2010

The claimant said that the software supplied to it was not fit for purpose. The defendant said that the company had relied on its own inspections of what was a standard package, and had not made known its desire to use it in a specific context. The claimant had originally pleaded reliance on the defendant’s … Continue reading Kingsway Hall Hotel Ltd v Red Sky IT (Hounslow) Ltd: TCC 6 May 2010

Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd: CA 2 Apr 2009

The appellant entered into two aircraft leasing agreements but were unable to maintain payments. They appealed against rejection of their argument that the agreements were not exempt from the controls under the 1977 Act by being international supply agreements. Held: The appeal failed. The intention of section 26 was to exclude such agreements entirely from … Continue reading Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd: CA 2 Apr 2009

Rolls-Royce plc v Unite the Union: CA 14 May 2009

The parties disputed whether the inclusion of length of service within a selection matrix for redundancy purposes would amount to unlawful age discrimination. The court was asked whether it was correct to make a declaratory judgment when the case had otherwise been effectively settled. Held: With considerable misgivings, the court agreed to hear the appeal. … Continue reading Rolls-Royce plc v Unite the Union: CA 14 May 2009

Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Same Sex Partner Entitled to tenancy Succession The protected tenant had died. His same-sex partner sought a statutory inheritance of the tenancy. Held: His appeal succeeded. The Fitzpatrick case referred to the position before the 1998 Act: ‘Discriminatory law undermines the rule of law because it is the antithesis of fairness. It brings the law … Continue reading Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Avrora Fine Arts Investment Ltd v Christie, Manson and Woods Ltd: ChD 27 Jul 2012

The claimants had bought a painting (Odalisque) through the defendant auctioneers. They now claimed that it had been misattributed to Kustodiev, and claimed in negligence and misrepresentation. Held: Based on the connoisseurship evidence, the painting was likely not to be by Kustodiev. The claimant was entitled under the contract to cancel the contract and recover … Continue reading Avrora Fine Arts Investment Ltd v Christie, Manson and Woods Ltd: ChD 27 Jul 2012

Victoria and Albert Museum v Durrant: EAT 5 Jan 2011

EAT UNFAIR DISMISSAL Reason for dismissal including some other substantial reason The correct interpretation of section 106 of Employment Rights Act 1996 (‘the Act’) was considered. The condition set by section 106(2)(a) of the Act will not be met unless there is clear and unambiguous language used in the written information given to the employee … Continue reading Victoria and Albert Museum v Durrant: EAT 5 Jan 2011

Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers: HL 26 Jul 1977

The claimant sought an injunction to prevent the respondent Trades Union calling on its members to boycott mail to South Africa. The respondents challenged the ability of the court to make such an order. Held: The wide wording of the statute did not mean that the courts had, in effect, limitless powers to grant interlocutory … Continue reading Gouriet v Union of Post Office Workers: HL 26 Jul 1977

Paragon Finance plc v Nash etc: CA 15 Oct 2001

The court was asked to consider whether there was any implied term limiting the power of a mortgagee to set interest rates under a variable rate mortgage. Held: A loan arrangement which allowed a lender to vary the implied rate of interest, included an implied term not to impose an unreasonable or extortionate rate, nor … Continue reading Paragon Finance plc v Nash etc: CA 15 Oct 2001

Cleaver and Others v Schyde Investments Ltd: CA 29 Jul 2011

The parties had contracted for the sale of land. The purchaser secured the rescinding of the contract for innocent misrepresentation. A notice of a relevant planning application had not been passed on by the seller’s solicitors. The seller appealed saying that the judge had been wrong to find that condition 7.1.3 of the Standard Conditions … Continue reading Cleaver and Others v Schyde Investments Ltd: CA 29 Jul 2011

Willow Oak Developments Ltd. (T/A Windsor Recruitment) v Silverwood and others: CA 25 May 2006

The employer appealed a finding that he had been unreasonable in seeking to vary the employment contracts of his staff by adding post employment restrictive covenants, and that the consequent dismissals were unfair. Copies of the new contracts had been handed to employees without prior notice and with an instruction to sign the within thirty … Continue reading Willow Oak Developments Ltd. (T/A Windsor Recruitment) v Silverwood and others: CA 25 May 2006

Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd; Comc 17 Jul 2008

References: [2008] EWHC 1686 (Comm), [2009] 1 All ER (Comm) 16 Links: Bailii Coram: Aikens J Trident entered into Aircraft Operating Lease Agreements in identical terms with First Flight in respect of two ATP model aircraft. The leases represented the culmination of negotiations between a representative of the manufacturer, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Limited (‘BAE’), … Continue reading Trident Turboprop (Dublin) Ltd v First Flight Couriers Ltd; Comc 17 Jul 2008

JP Morgan Chase Bank and others v Springwell Navigation Corporation; Comc 27 May 2008

References: [2008] EWHC 1186 (Comm) Links: Bailii Coram: Gloster J Gloster J said: ‘terms which simply define the basis upon which services will be rendered and confirm the basis upon which parties are transacting business are not subject to section 2 of UCTA. Otherwise, every contract which contains contractual terms defining the extent of each … Continue reading JP Morgan Chase Bank and others v Springwell Navigation Corporation; Comc 27 May 2008

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Timeload Ltd v British Telecommunications plc: CA 1995

British Telecommunications Plc provided its own directory service. BT was licenced as a public telecommunications operator requiring it to provide telephone services on request to anyone who sought them without discrimination. The claimant wanted to operate its own free service, and contracted with BT to use a line, but BT then gave notice to end … Continue reading Timeload Ltd v British Telecommunications plc: CA 1995

Sheffield v Pickfords Limited and Pickfords Removals Limited: CA 11 Feb 1997

The defendants had contracted to transport goods for the plaintiff. The goods had been left at empty premises and were damaged or stolen. The defendant sought to rely upon their clause excluding liability. Held: The reasonableness of a standard contract term was best pleaded by the proponent of it. ‘There is much to be said … Continue reading Sheffield v Pickfords Limited and Pickfords Removals Limited: CA 11 Feb 1997

First National Commercial Bank Plc v Loxleys (a Firm): CA 6 Nov 1996

The plaintiff claimed damages from the seller of land and from their solicitors for misrepresentation in the replies to enquiries before contract. He appealed a striking out of his claim. Held: A lawyer’s disclaimer placed on his Replies to Enquiries before Contract were to be examined carefully to see if they constituted an unfair term. … Continue reading First National Commercial Bank Plc v Loxleys (a Firm): CA 6 Nov 1996

St Albans City and District Council v International Computers Ltd: CA 14 Aug 1996

The council purchased software from the defendants to calculate council taxes. Mistakes in the software undercalculated the amounts required to be recovered causing the council substantial losses. The company sought to rely upon a clause in the contract limiting the extent of their liability. Held: The clause was unreasonable in the light of the very … Continue reading St Albans City and District Council v International Computers Ltd: CA 14 Aug 1996

Meadows Indemnity Co Ltd v The Insurance Corporation of Ireland plc and Another: CA 1989

A claim was made for declaratory relief. Held: The Claimant, a re-insurer, did not have locus to claim a declaration that the main insurer could avoid the main contract of insurance, to which the Claimant was not a party. The court considered ‘the general policy of the law to resolve disputes between all parties in … Continue reading Meadows Indemnity Co Ltd v The Insurance Corporation of Ireland plc and Another: CA 1989

Chapman v Aberdeen Construction Group: 1991

It having been conceded that contracts of service fell within section 15 of the 1977 Act, the court found that the question whether the contract was a consumer contract depended on the circumstances. Though the employee pursuer was to be regarded as a consumer in relation to his contract of employment with the defenders, the … Continue reading Chapman v Aberdeen Construction Group: 1991

Sonicare International Limited v East Anglia Freight Terminal Limited: 1997

When looking at the reasonableness of a clause limiting rather than excluding of liability, the size of the limit compared with other limits in widely used standard terms may be relevant. Judges: Judge Hallgarten QC Citations: [1997] 2 Lloyds Rep 48 Statutes: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – … Continue reading Sonicare International Limited v East Anglia Freight Terminal Limited: 1997

Thompson v T Lohan (Plant Hire) Ltd: CA 1987

The plaintiff’s husband had been killed as the result of the driver’s negligence in operating an excavator which had been hired by the second defendants for work at their quarry. The contract was subject to the CPA (Contractors’ Plant Association conditions of hire) terms which provided that drivers be regarded as the servants or agents … Continue reading Thompson v T Lohan (Plant Hire) Ltd: CA 1987

Singer Co (UK) Ltd v Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority: 1988

The court upheld under the 1977 Act a clause which limited a port authority’s liability to andpound;800 per ton of consignment. Other factors were relevant but ‘The way in which the port authority’s general conditions came into being seems to me to be relevant. The conditions were approved, apparently without objection, by the port authority’s … Continue reading Singer Co (UK) Ltd v Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority: 1988

Millbrook Furnishing Industries Ltd v McIntosh: EAT 1981

The employees were sewing machinists employed in the employers’ upholstery factory. Because of a downturn in work, the employers decided to transfer them to their bedding factory, which was very nearby. The work at the bedding factory would be less skilled but was essentially of the same character. The intention was that the transfer would … Continue reading Millbrook Furnishing Industries Ltd v McIntosh: EAT 1981

McCrone v Boots Farm Sales Limited: 1981

The court considered the meaning of ‘standard form contract’ as it applied in Scotland under the 1977 Act: ‘The Act does not define ‘standard form contract’, but its meaning is not difficult to comprehend. In some cases there may be difficulty deciding whether the phrase properly applies to particular contract. I have no difficulty deciding … Continue reading McCrone v Boots Farm Sales Limited: 1981

George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: HL 1983

A seedsman sought to rely upon an exclusion clause preventing any claim by a purchaser by way of set off against its sales invoices. The House was asked whether a contractual term was ‘fair and reasonable’ within the meaning of section 55 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Held: Where a tribunal applies a … Continue reading George Mitchell (Chesterhall) Ltd v Finney Lock Seeds Ltd: HL 1983

St Albans City and District Council v International Computers Ltd: QBD 11 Nov 1994

A liability limitation in a computer contract was an unfair contract term since it was a standard term, and it restricted liability when there had been no attempt to justify the amount chosen for the limit by reference, for example, to a consideration of the cost of insurance. Citations: Times 11-Nov-1994, (1995) 21 FSR 686 … Continue reading St Albans City and District Council v International Computers Ltd: QBD 11 Nov 1994

British Fermentation Products Limited v Compair Reavell Limited: TCC 8 Jun 1999

The terms ”on the other’s written standard terms of business’ in the Act was not defined in the Act after a deliberate decision by the Law Commission. [1999] EWHC Technology 227, (1999) 66 Con LR, [1999] BLR Bailii Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 3(1) England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Pegler Ltd v Wang … Continue reading British Fermentation Products Limited v Compair Reavell Limited: TCC 8 Jun 1999

Photo Production Ltd v Securicor Transport Ltd: HL 14 Feb 1980

Interpretation of Exclusion Clauses The plaintiffs had contracted with the defendants for the provision of a night patrol service for their factory. The perils the parties had in mind were fire and theft. A patrol man deliberately lit a fire which burned down the factory. It was an unresolved issue whether the employee intended to … Continue reading Photo Production Ltd v Securicor Transport Ltd: HL 14 Feb 1980

Ready Mixed Concrete Southeast Ltd v Minister of Pensions and National Insurance: QBD 8 Dec 1967

Contracts of service or for services In three cases appeals were heard against a finding as to whether a worker was entitled to have his employer pay National Insurance contributions on his behalf which would apply if he were an employee. He worked as an ‘owner-driver’ Held: The court asked what was the test of … Continue reading Ready Mixed Concrete Southeast Ltd v Minister of Pensions and National Insurance: QBD 8 Dec 1967

Pickstone v Freemans Plc: HL 30 Jun 1988

The claimant sought equal pay with other, male, warehouse operatives who were doing work of equal value but for more money. The Court of Appeal had held that since other men were also employed on the same terms both as to pay and work, her claim failed. Held: The claim was not disbarred in this … Continue reading Pickstone v Freemans Plc: HL 30 Jun 1988

United Scientific Holdings v Burnley Borough Council: HL 1978

The House was asked whether a failure by a lessor to keep strictly to the timetable laid down in a rent review clause in a lease necessarily deprived the lessor of the benefit of the rent review. Held: A stipulation as to time in an option clause will normally be of the essence. The grantor … Continue reading United Scientific Holdings v Burnley Borough Council: HL 1978

Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997

Account taken of circumstances wihout ambiguity The respondent gave advice on home income plans. The individual claimants had assigned their initial claims to the scheme, but later sought also to have their mortgages in favour of the respondent set aside. Held: Investors having once assigned their causes of action to the ICS, could not later … Continue reading Investors Compensation Scheme Ltd v West Bromwich Building Society: HL 19 Jun 1997

British Home Stores Ltd v Burchell: EAT 1978

B had been dismissed for allegedly being involved with a number of other employees in acts of dishonesty relating to staff purchases. She had denied the abuse. The tribunal had found the dismissal unfair in the methods used to decide to dismiss her. Held: The company’s appeal was allowed. The store had reasonable grounds for … Continue reading British Home Stores Ltd v Burchell: EAT 1978

Murray and Another v Foyle Meats Ltd (Northern Ireland): HL 8 Jul 1999

The company decided to make redundancies. The applicants, all selected, had worked in more than one section of the plant. All employees worked under the same contract, but employees were chosen only from the one section. The complainants said that the entire workforce should have been considered. Held: Under the Order it was for the … Continue reading Murray and Another v Foyle Meats Ltd (Northern Ireland): HL 8 Jul 1999

Western Excavating (ECC) Ltd v Sharp: CA 1978

To succeed in a claim for constructive dismissal the plaintiff must establish a breach of contract by the defendant, that the breach was sufficiently serious to have justified the claimant resigning, or at least be the last in a series of events which justified his leaving, and that he left his employment with the defendant … Continue reading Western Excavating (ECC) Ltd v Sharp: CA 1978